What absolutely must be used in conjunction with rescue lift airbags?

• A. Wheel chocks
• B. Hammers
• C. Wedges
• D. Cribbing

Answer: (D)

When lifting with rescue lift airbags, creating a stable, level base is essential. Cribbing provides a rigid, multi-point platform that distributes the load, prevents the airbag from sinking into soft ground or deforming on sharp edges, and keeps the lift controlled as the load rises. It also helps prevent lateral movement of the load, which could lead to a dangerous shift or collapse. Without cribbing, the bag can fail or the load can shift unexpectedly, compromising safety for everyone nearby.

Other items like wheel chocks, hammers, or wedges have their uses in different parts of an extrication operation, but they are not the element that must be used with airbags to ensure a safe lift. Cribbing is the fundamental support that makes the lift stable and predictable.